Faculty Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION

• Credit Hours: 4
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 3

COURSE RATIONALE

This course is a study of the fundamentals of alternative electrical current including Ohm's law, Kirchhoff’s laws including series and parallel AC circuits, phasors, capacitive and inductive networks, transformers, and resonance circuit analysis techniques. Emphasis is on circuit analysis of AC networks and measurements. 

PREREQUISITES

CETT1403 – DC Circuits, Math 1314 - College Algebra or department approval

Lab Kit: Adafruit Parts Pal - http://www.adafruit.com/product/2975 - Supplied by the Dept.

Scientific Calculator: Example Included: Texas Instruments Model: TI-30Xa, Casio fx-260, TI 36X Pro, or Sharp EL-W516XBSL 556 Scientific Calculator 

This is a First Day™ class. The cost of required course materials, including an online version of the textbook access, has been added to your tuition and fees bill. The included textbook is: Introductory Circuit Analysis (14th Edition), Robert L. Boylestad, ISBN: 9780137594119 Copyright © 2023 by Pearson Education, Inc, or its Affiliates.

Access to First Day™ course materials is via your course entry on Blackboard. In the course menu click on the tab for Tools First Day Course Materials. A DC Circuits (200035) icon should open up in the BNC portal. Click on the textbook icon.

A copy of the previous versions of the textbook may also be used if the student already has or wishes to acquire at their expense:

Introductory Circuit Analysis (13th Edition), Robert L. Boylestad, ISBN: 9780133923605 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc, or its Affiliates.

OR

Introductory Circuit Analysis (12th Edition), Robert L. Boylestad, ISBN: 9780137146666 Copyright © 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc, or its Affiliates.

Course Subjects: (from the textbook)

• Chapter 10 - Capacitors
• Chapter 11 - Inductors
• Chapter 13 - Sinusoidal Alternating Waveforms
• Chapter 14 - Basic Elements and Phasors
• Chapter 15 – Series ac Circuits
• Chapter 16 – Parallel ac Circuits Continue 
• Chapter 17 – Series-Parallel AC Networks
• Chapter 20 - Power (AC)
• Chapter 21 – Resonance and Resonant Circuits
• Chapter 22 - Filter and Bode Plot
• Chapter 23 – Transformers
• Chapter 24 - Polyphase

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as an email.

Topics covered in week number:

1. Chapter 10 - Capacitors
2. Chapter 11 - Inductors
3. Chapter 13 - Sinusoidal Alternating Waveforms  
4. Review and Exam 1 - Chapters 10, 11 and 13
5. Chapter 14 - Basic Elements and Phasors  
6. Chapter 15 – Series ac Circuits
7. Chapter 16 – Parallel ac Circuits Continue
8. Review and Exam 2 – Chapters 14, 15 and 16
9. Chapter 17 – Series-Parallel AC Network
10. Chapter 20 - Power (AC)
11. Chapter 21 – Resonance and Resonant Circuits
12. Review and Exam 3 – Chapters 17, 20 and 21 
13. Chapter 22 - Filter and Bode Plot and
14. Chapter 23 - Transformers
15. Chapter 24 - Polyphase
16. Review & Final  **comprehensive Final (Chapter 13-17, and Chapter 20-23)
     

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, collaboration and taking Exams and Quizzes.

The methods of instruction include hands-on training as well as classroom instruction.

Labs will be performed during class time.

Classroom instruction will consist of interactive lectures, class discussions, exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and video illustrations. It will be based on the assumption that the student has done the reading assignments before class.

In order to be successful in this class, the student is expected to spend 1 to 2 hours per hour spent in class. 

Computers with internet access are available in the classroom for in-class exercises.  Homework will primarily be reading assignments, pre-lecture review questions, post-lecture problem sets, and internet research.

GRADING SYSTEM

Participation, Teamwork, and Attendance will primarily consist of attendance on all class days.  There are a number of in-class exercises and labs where working in groups is very important for a successful outcome. In these settings teamwork, cooperation, and patience is essential for success.

Labs/Homework/pop quizzes include the grading of formal labs and textbook chapter pop quizzes.

• Homework -  The expectation is that students show their work, circle their answers, check the answer in the back of the book and refer to the file, "Problems not in the back of course text or corrected problems".
• Lab Results– These labs are used to document the results of the in-class lab experiments. The lab handout provides the background and procedures for conducting the lab experiment along with the criteria for documenting the lab results. Grading is based on correctly answering lab-related questions and meeting all of the objectives as described in the lab handout. The instructor reserved the right to return the lab report as incomplete and request resubmission for any omissions on the report. 
• Pop Quizzes – These are typically one or two-question quizzes that can be given at any time during in-class time. These pop quizzes are unannounced and can occur anytime during the class period.  

There will be four Chapter Exams each covering chapters worth of material from the textbook.  These chapter exams attempt to validate proficiency with learning the concepts from the textbook and to demonstrate an ability to work on mathematical problems related to those concepts.  The exam times and content are announced in advance of the exam. Students are expected to take the exam at the scheduled time and place.

The Discipline Assessment Cycle (DAC) is the process whereby Austin Community College documents the extent to which students have attained the learning outcomes and objectives set before them. The framework of the DAC is designed to promote meaningful assessment. The data gathered is then forwarded to other processes and bodies within the College where such information is needed. A DAC evaluation is embedded within this course and is included as part of the expected course work. 

The Comprehensive Final Exam will occur on the last day of class and cover concepts and problems from chapters in the textbook. Students are expected to take the exam at the scheduled time and place.

Based on the total course score calculation as specified above, the final course grade will be as follows:

90% ≤   “A”   ≤ 100%

80% ≤   “B”   < 90%

70% ≤   “C”   < 80%

60% ≤   “D”   < 70%

0%   ≤   “F”   < 60%

Class Project:

The class project will be discussed on the first day of class.

Week 1      Project Expectations      

Week 2      Choose a Project (Every project needs to be unique)

Week 4      Purchase Project (Allow one month to get by mail)

Week 5      Watch Soldering and De-Soldering Videos

Week 6      Start Soldering Project

Week 10    Project is due

COURSE POLICIES

Attendance/Class Participation

Attendance is very crucial and may make the difference between successfully completing this class or not. All students are expected to attend every class and to be punctual. If you are late, leave early, or come in and out of the classroom, this will count as an unexcused absence. Coming in and out of the classroom is disruptive to the other students and the professor.  If more than three unexcused absences or unsatisfactory compliance with other course policies, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. If you cannot attend a particular class session, please discuss the conflict with me in advance (in person, via phone or email). Lectures are not covered in an assigned textbook.

Interpersonal skills are critical to both working with peers and leading others. It is expected that you will be respectful of the opinions and property of others. Be aware of and responsive to one’s behaviour toward others and work with others to resolve problems.

Withdrawal Policy

If circumstances arise such that a student cannot complete this course, it is to your advantage to withdraw from the class by the deadline to avoid getting an unsatisfactory grade on your permanent school record. The student or the instructor may initiate a withdrawal anytime during the semester before the official withdrawal deadline.

Students may be withdrawn from the course by the instructor.  However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to initiate the withdrawal process if they are unable to attend or complete their coursework as required. Failure to withdraw by the established deadline will result in a grade of “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, or “F”, based on the student’s recorded performance in the course. Withdrawal forms are available from campus Admissions and Records offices or a student may withdraw from the course by using online services.

The last day to withdraw is 04/27/2026.

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

The missed exam and late work policies are as follows:

Attendance and being on time are mandatory and do affect your grade. Students who have three or more unexcused absences may be dropped from the course. An unexcused absence is the following: If you are late more than 15 minutes, leave early (more than 30 minutes) or come in and out of the classroom where you disrupt the other students and the class lecture.  

These grading criteria may be modified as needed for the class during the semester. I expect a very high level of professionalism in class and at outside sites. Take advantage of this course to your fullest because it will best replicate and prepare you for work in many industries.

• The missed exam and late work policies are as follows:

  Attendance and being on time are mandatory and do affect your grade. Students who have three or more unexcused absences may be dropped from the course. An unexcused absence is the following: If you are late more than 15 minutes, leave early (more than 30 minutes) or come in and out of the classroom where you disrupt the other students and the class lecture. 

  These grading criteria may be modified as needed for the class during the semester. I expect a very high level of professionalism in class and at outside sites. Take advantage of this course to your fullest because it will best replicate and prepare you for work in many industries.

  • Missed or Late Homework or Lab Results – Please turn in the homework and lab results at the date specified. No Late homework/labs/assignments will be accepted unless a written medical reason is submitted to the instructor “prior to the due date.”
  • Pop Quizzes – These are not announced beforehand and there is no make-up for a missed quiz. Missed quizzes result in a zero being entered into Grade Center. 
  • Chapter Exams – NO MAKE-UPS WILL BE GIVEN unless a written medical reason is submitted to the instructor “prior to Exam date”. It is up to the instructor’s discretion to allow a make-up exam or not. If a make-up exam is allowed, it may be the same or a similar exam and it might be administered at any of the ACC testing centers.        
  • Semester Project – Failure to present a semester project will result in the instructor, at his or her discretion, assigning an automatic "Incomplete" or an  “F” for a final grade. In other words, this item is required for the successful completion of this course.   
  • Final Exam - NO MAKE-UPS WILL BE GIVEN unless a written medical reason is submitted to the instructor “prior to Exam date”. It is up to the instructor’s discretion to allow a make-up exam or not. If a make-up exam is allowed, it may be the same or a similar exam. 
  • All office hours will be recorded. 

Incompletes

A student, under very rare and extreme circumstances, may receive an incomplete as the final grade for this course. It is highly recommended that students should withdraw from the class if they know prior to the withdrawal date that they will be unable to finish the course. See the section on “Withdrawal Policy” for this course. 

A final grade of an incomplete is a temporary grade that allows the student additional time to complete the required course work. The time allotted is typical until the course withdrawal date of the following semester. If the incomplete status has not been changed to a regular grade by this date, the grade is automatically changed to an “F”.   

A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (incomplete) at the end of the semester only if the following conditions are satisfied:

• The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control. (e.g. major illness after the withdrawal date, etc.)  Student time management-related issues (job, family, etc.) are not accepted circumstances for requesting an incomplete.
• The student must have a “weighted grade total” of a “C” or better out on Blackboard Grade Center on the course withdrawal date. 
• Prior to the end of the semester, the student must request from the instructor that the final grade of an “I” (incomplete) be awarded.  This request must take the form of an ACC email and the department chair must be copied on the email.
• It is up to the instructor’s discretion to allow an “I” (incomplete) grade to be awarded or not.  

To convert the incomplete “I” into a grade, the student must submit for grading all work required to complete the course to the instructor by a date specified by the instructor within the following semester, but absolutely no later than 1 week prior to the withdrawal date of that semester.

Under no circumstances

• will an “I” (incomplete) status be extended to a second semester for a student to complete the course work.
• will an “I” (incomplete) status be used to bureaucratically withdraw a student from the course after the withdrawal date.

MISC. COURSE POLICIES

Food and Beverages

Food and beverage items are prohibited in the classroom and laboratory.

Dress Code

During the lab, students are required to wear close-toed shoes at all times. Open-toed footwear (flip-flops, sandals, etc.) is not permitted.

Personal Electronic Media devices

• Cell/Smartphones are to be turned off or muted during lab and class time unless the instructor specifically requests their use for a class-related activity. No text messaging is allowed in class unless specifically requested by the instructor.  If you need to make or take a phone call, please step out of the classroom to do so. 
• iPod/MP3 players are not allowed during lab and class time.
• Video recording is not allowed in the class.
• Lecture audio recording is not permitted. 
• Laptops, IPads, and kindle type devices are allowed but limited for note-taking and instructor-requested activities.  

Teamwork

There are a number of in-class exercises and labs where working in groups is very important for a successful outcome. In these settings teamwork, cooperation, and patience is essential for success.

Discipline Assessment Cycle (DAC)

The Discipline Assessment Cycle (DAC) is the process whereby Austin Community College documents the extent to which students have attained the learning outcomes and objectives set before them. The framework of the DAC is designed to promote meaningful assessment. The data gathered is then forwarded to other processes and bodies within the College where such information is needed. DAC evaluations are embedded within this course and are included as part of the expected coursework.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES, GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES, AND SCANS

Student Learning Outcomes:

Apply safety techniques while working on and troubleshooting various circuits and components; interpret color codes and other descriptors used in electronics; identify various sources of electricity in AC circuits; interpret characteristics of voltage, current, resistance, and power in AC circuits; measure voltage, current, and resistance in AC circuits using measuring devices. Network analysis of Resonance and Resonant Circuits, filters, transformers and polyphase systems.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to...

1. Do simple breadboarding and soldering
2. Identify various components found in DC circuits
3. Interpret resistor color codes
4. Identify power sources
5. Read simple schematic diagrams 
6. Analyze circuits using appropriate formulas, solving for voltage, resistance, current, power,  energy and efficiency values using:
   • Sinusoidal Alternating Waveforms
   • Ohm’s Law for AC circuits
   • Series, Parallel, and Series-parallel analysis of resistors, capacitors and inductors
   • Kirchhoff’s voltage law
   • Kirchhoff’s current law
   • Current divider rule
   • Voltage divider rule
   •  Resonance and Resonant Circuits
   • Filter and Bode Plot
   • Power (AC)
   • Transformers
   • Polyphase Systems
7. Use measuring instruments to measure voltage, resistance, current, inductance, and capacitance.
8. Present to the class the results of a semester project which involves the selection, purchase, assembly, soldering, and debug of a relatively simple electronic kit.

1. Introduction: The use of generative AI (GAI) is permitted in this course under certain conditions and with instructor approval for the purposes of enhancing learning while maintaining academic integrity.
2. Rationale: GAI is permitted to foster technological fluency and to leverage advanced tools for research, projects and other relevant assignments, as long as it does not substitute for the students’ original work, critical thinking and learning.
3. Definition of GAI: Generative AI encompasses technologies that create content through learned patterns and data without direct human input.
4. Usage Permissions: Permitted: GAI can be used for initial research, idea generation, and learning coding practices. It is not to be used for final submissions unless explicitly cited and discussed. Students should check with their instructors for approval before using AI in their assignments.
5. Resources: The ACC Library provides guidance on the ethical and effective use of GAI.  Additional resources may be provided by your instructor.
6. Assessment: Contributions of GAI must be clearly cited and will be assessed on the student’s ability to critically analyze and integrate the AI-generated content.
7. Penalties: Misuse of GAI, including a failure to cite, will be considered a breach of academic integrity, with consequences including a failing grade for the assignment and academic review.
8. Exceptions: Should the technology be required as an accommodation, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

To see the ACC College Policies, please click on the “College Policies and Student Support Services” link found in the Blackboard main menu.

                                                                                           STUDENT ADVISING ADDENDUM

                                                                                                   (Last Update 1/07/2026)

• Engineering Technology & Advanced Manufacturing Students who are seeking a degree or certificate should visit with their assigned Area-Of-Study advisor. To find out who your assigned advisor is, go to Find My Advisor and follow the steps using MyACC. If you have not been assigned an advisor, then please visit the Advising Office on your campus or fill out the Contact ACC Advising form and someone will get back to you.

                   o For online advising, please go to the following site: https://students.austincc.edu/advising/online-advising/

                    o High School students taking classes in dual enrollment or as part of an academy or institute will have different advisors and counselors

                       assigned to them. For help finding advising support for High School students, contact the ACC Office of College & High School Relations.

• All students are expected to check their ACC gmail regularly throughout the semester. We will be sending pertinent information about scholarships, the course schedule, job & internship opportunities, Microsoft Azure free student software program, career fairs, special events, and etc.  Your instructor will communicate with you through Blackboard Announcement and Email.